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FTC Battles NewsGuard Over 'Disinformation' Graft
Agency chief Andrew Ferguson fights lawsuit from news accuracy rating company.
Feb. 20, 2026 at 5:23am
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The Federal Trade Commission, led by Chairman Andrew Ferguson, is embroiled in a legal battle with NewsGuard, a company that rates the accuracy of news outlets. The FTC is probing NewsGuard's practices, which are accused of using 'brand safety' concerns to stifle free speech and censor views that don't align with liberal narratives. Ferguson has targeted 'misinformation' censorship, arguing NewsGuard's actions may violate antitrust laws.
Why it matters
This case highlights the growing tension between efforts to combat 'misinformation' online and the need to protect free speech. The FTC's investigation into NewsGuard's practices raises questions about how private companies can wield influence over the flow of information and advertising dollars, potentially stifling diverse viewpoints.
The details
The FTC opened its probe of NewsGuard in connection with the $25 billion merger of advertising giants Interpublic and Omnicom. Regulators were concerned about ad agencies' reliance on 'news rating services' that rank outlets based on 'inappropriate content' like 'misinformation,' potentially steering ad dollars away from certain publishers. NewsGuard has been accused of favoring establishment narratives and demonetizing news outlets for reporting dissenting views, despite claiming a First Amendment right to rate as it pleases.
- In late 2024, the FTC began scrutinizing the ad agencies' use of news rating services like NewsGuard.
- In 2020, NewsGuard went after sponsors of the Great Barrington Declaration, which warned that pandemic lockdowns were doing more harm than good.
The players
Andrew Ferguson
The chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, who is leading the agency's fight against NewsGuard's practices.
NewsGuard
A company that rates the accuracy of news outlets, which is being sued by the FTC for its alleged use of 'brand safety' concerns to censor free speech and diverse viewpoints.
Interpublic
One of the advertising giants whose $25 billion merger with Omnicom prompted the FTC's investigation into NewsGuard.
Omnicom
The other advertising giant involved in the $25 billion merger that prompted the FTC's investigation into NewsGuard.
What’s next
The FTC's lawsuit against NewsGuard is ongoing, and the outcome will have significant implications for how private companies can influence the flow of information and advertising dollars online.
The takeaway
This case highlights the delicate balance between combating misinformation and preserving free speech. The FTC's fight against NewsGuard's practices underscores the need for robust antitrust enforcement to prevent private companies from abusing their power to censor dissenting views and stifle the free exchange of ideas.
